Five young academics have been chosen to take on administrative tasks for a year in addition to their academic work to support the rector and vice-rectors. From ETRO, civil engineer Jeroen Van Schependom will take care of the vice-rectorate Research Policy.
These five academic staff members will have the opportunity, with the current management team, to develop their leadership potential and inspire the rectoral policy team. They will devote one day a week within their current tenure to this new role. Each will work closely with the rector or a vice-rector in a specific policy area to gain a tangible view of what leadership and policymaking means in practice.
“By giving young academics the opportunity to hone their policy competencies and weigh in on VUB policy, the university aims to increase its policy capability. The voice and views of our younger colleagues are absolutely essential. After all, they are also the leaders of the future,” says rector Caroline Pauwels.